Everywhere you turn, it seems as if news about the economy is getting brighter. We’re told repeatedly that companies are hiring, unemployment is low, and business is booming.
Sounds great, right? But if you’re struggling to find work, what sounds like good news for the rest of the nation can sound miserable to you. You’re scouring job boards, firing off applications, and keeping your interview suit clean and pressed – so why aren’t you landing the job?
Here are some of the top reasons job seekers struggle – and what you can do about them.
You haven’t re-thought your resume.
Sending out the same “boilerplate” resume to every employer seems to take less time and effort than editing each resume in order to tailor it to the particular job posting. But when weeks or months drag by without a response, the sheer number of resumes you have to send out starts to tower over the work it takes to focus each resume on the job you’re applying for.
Instead, spend this time aiming fewer resumes at better-fitting positions – and tailoring each one to emphasize how your work experience has made you the right candidate for this job and this company.
You’re missing some key job openings.
Although specific percentages vary, the studies agree: A significant number of job openings never actually get posted to the public. Companies try to hire internally, work solely through their staffing firms, or find a suitable replacement through their employees’ networks and word of mouth before they ever prepare a job posting for the general public.
Tap into this “hidden” network of job openings by working with a staffing firm that specializes in placing people in your industry and geographic area. Your recruiter can help you find openings that fit your needs and position you to capture the attention of hiring managers.
You haven’t talked to your network in a while.
It can be tough to talk to your friends and colleagues when you can’t provide good news about your job search. But you can help your connections help you – and keep your own spirits up – by keeping the lines of communication open. Call or email two connections this week to meet for coffee or take a walk together and discuss business. And don’t forget to speak to your recruiter, whose professional network is also available to help you find the work you’re looking for.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, our experienced recruiters can help you turn a job search struggle into job search success. Contact us today to learn more about our job opportunities in Minnesota and beyond.
